1.50 – Shalaa Carnarvon Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (3yo): If Juliet Capulet is ready to run to her best then she’s be of serious interest and John Gosden has carried all before him so far this season. The form of her fine win in the Rockfel, along with a stiff 6 furlongs at Newbury promising to suit her a lot, and if anything, it’s a surprise that this hasn’t been tried earlier.

This drop back to 6 on fast ground ought to see an improvement from Murillo, who was third in the Coventry last season before not getting the surface he needed, and with his pace making duties fulfilled in the 2,000 Guineas he should take the beating and he edges out Eqtidaar, a half-brother to 2,000 Guineas second Massaat who made a good reappearance at Ascot recently.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Juliet Capulet (8/1 general)

2.25 – Al Rayyan Stakes (Registered As The Aston Park Stakes) (Group 3) (Class 1) (4yo+): The return of Crystal Ocean in the Gordon Richards was very impressive and he’s even better at 12 furlongs, probably his best trip. Defeat would surprise here. Second Step and Raheen House can fight it out for second ahead of Scarlet Dragon and Buildmeupbuttercup.

Advice: No bet.

3.00 – Al Zubarah London Gold Cup Handicap (Class 2) (3yo): The way that He’s Amazing fought so hard to take a first handicap when upped to this trip for the first time at Newmarket was very taking. The runner-up disappointed when favourite next time but he was ahead of Dukhan (reopposes, and wears cheekpieces for the first time today) and that form also gives him the technical beating of Mekong, albeit with the provision that all three really ought to improve again tomorrow and throughout the season.

The favourite was second here over a mile before in a decent maiden, when the reopposing Chief Ironside was two lengths behind before winning a Chester maiden so his claims are strong and he makes each/way appeal.

Masaarr – no, not that one – is a worthy favourite after a Doncaster Mile win which screamed plenty of improvement for stepping up in trip. He was hit with an 8lbs rise from the handicapper for that but really ought to have that much in hand and should take the beating.

Advice: 1 pt each/way He’s Amazing (8/1 general)

3.40 – Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (4yo+): A fascinating 16-strong field including nine rivals rated between 115 and 119 and a big step up for Addeybb, although he is the most progressive of them and fancied to arrive at the top table. He was incredibly impressive in the Bet365 Mile when leaving the useful Stormy Antarctic in the dust in a matter of strides, confirming that his Lincoln win was no fluke. He will need to step forward again and handle good to firm ground but there’s no suggestion that he shouldn’t and he appears nearly guaranteed to run his race whilst several others have question marks over them.

The fast ground ought to be suitable for a number of these, but none more so than Lancaster Bomber who is a big contender if the ground stays dry. Last season he was fourth in the 2,000 Guineas, second in the St James’s Palace, then second in both the Woodbine and Breeders’ Cup Mile before finishing a fine fifth in the Hong Kong Vase. He was disappointing on his return at Meydan but all of his stablemates have improved a great deal for their opening runs and he is worth forgiving.

Rhododendron’s Guineas second would give her a decent chance in this but she takes a step back from racing over long trips and appears a bit short, having finished second in the Oaks at one time last year. There’s no doubting her talent but it is a slight surprise to see her here compared to the Tattersalls Gold Cup. An extremely strong gallop is needed for her chances.

Limato is worth another try at this trip, having got no run when last trying it, and he was deeply impressive in the Challenge Stakes when last seen. He should be on the scenes if he’s fit whilst it would be unwise to rule out Beat The Bank on the basis of a poor effort in the QEII when last seen.

Deauville is an honest horse although he’s not run to the level of his third in the Queen Anne Stakes in two runs this year. That said an honest gallop and straight mile should bring out plenty in him and he’s got more speed than War Decree, the last of the O’Brien four.

Librisa Breeze is interesting. A winner over 10 furlongs earlier in his career, he’s blessed with speed as readers will know and perhaps this will suit more than last time. The really interesting of the bigger priced ones is Suedois. He was fourth at the Breeders’ Cup and before that he had previously won the Shadwell Turf Mile in fine style for David O’Meara. He looks genuinely overpriced for those trying to land a shock result.

Zabeel Prince is taking a big step up from listed company and has potential whatever happens although he might find more suitable targets than this.

Lightning Spear, Zonderland, and Alexios Komnenos, are all lightly raced enough but they might be seen to better effect later in the year.

4.15 – Olympic Glory Conditions Stakes (Plus 10 Race) (Class 2) (2yo): If The Irish Rover had jumped out of the stalls at Ascot he would have won and done so with a degree of comfort. That experience ought to have brought him on a good deal, but he will improve for a sixth furlong at Newbury and on debut, he caught the eye when just behind leading Coventry contender Sergei Prokofiev on debut at Dundalk. Dave Dexter won a maiden here on debut a month ago and was then third at Ascot, but if anything, that was a better effort and he has wanted this sixth furlong since debut.

Barbill impressed when winning a Five Furlong Novice Stakes at Bath whilst it is a vote of confidence from Richard Hannon that he sends It’s the Only Way here after Brighton and Kempton wins. Marie’s Diamond was well on top in the final furlong at Bath when well backed. This much faster ground will be a big change but she’s clearly useful.

So too is Almufti, an interesting newcomer who cost connections 120,000gns as a yearling. The son of Toronado is well related and connections have owned the winner of this for the last two years running, suggestions that he has taken high rank at home.

Advice: 2 pts win The Irish Rover (15/8 general)

4.50 – Haras De Bouquetot Fillies’ Trial Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (3yo): Crystal Hope was dominant at the end of her fine return in a Sandown Novice Stakes, and the second and third home from that race were first and fourth in the Musidora Stakes this week at York, suggesting that the form at the very least is solid. The Musidora didn’t appear to be the strongest renewal beforehand but even then, a basic repeat of that form gives her the beating of this field and she looks really quite promising.

Sea Of Class was plenty green when beaten a neck by Ceilidhs Dream on her Newmarket debut and improvement can be expected although a direct line through Ceilidhs Dream leaves her with a lot of ground to make up on the favourite and attitude issues are also a potential concern.

Stream Song was a game winner of a Windsor handicap on her seasonal return and only her fourth start, and she can improve plenty for that here and Athena, an interesting representative of Ballydoyle, finally gets onto some fast ground too.

Advice: 4 pts win Crystal Hope (11/10 general)

5.25 – Toronado Handicap (Class 2) (4yo+ 0-105): Pouvoir Magique ended up as a non-runner in the Victoria Cup that Ripp Orf won with such a brilliant ride from Hayley Turner but such is the promise of John Gosden’s charge that he can justify favouritism here. The booking of Ryan Moore on Surrey Hope is notable whilst if Dean Ivory can get the best out of Flaming Spear.

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2.35 – Dooley Insurances Cross Country Chase (5yo+): Josies Orders managed to back up an effort in the La Touche Cup when taking this in 2015 so his hard effort when going down by a head to Auvergnat is less of a worry than it would be for others and if he repeats that effort when he can give weight to the very talented The Crafty Butcher. Blue Templar was just beaten in the Ladies’ Cup and is now blinkered here, although stepping up in class, whilst My Hometown didn’t deserve to go out in the same race, but he had gone hard and it’s impossible to know how he’d have finished.

Advice: No bet.

3.10 – Palmerstown House Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase (Grade B) (5yo+ 0-150): This is not a strong renewal or particularly strong form for the level and it’s not a surprise that Some Neck is favourite for the all-conquering Willie Mullins and Paul Townend even after a bad effort in the Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase. He’s short enough to leave at 7/2 whilst second favourite Major Destination had a lot in hand when winning his maiden chase at Ballinrobe at the beginning of the season and presumably has been targeted for this.

If Lasoscar reproduced the placed form, he showed on his final two starts in 2017 he’d have a chance but perhaps a handicap debutant might be the right choice here and High Nellie has impressed with two all the way wins since moving to the bigger obstacles. A mark of 130 based on her wins at Cork and Tramore seems very fair and Cathal Landers’ seven could be a great help.

Advice: 1 pt each/way High Nellie (8/1 general)

3.50 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Annie Power Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+): Irish Stallion Farms EBF Annie Power Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+): Apple’s Jade disappointed at the Cheltenham Festival but she has been otherwise flawless and is worth giving another chance to. At her best she can reverse Mares’ Hurdle form with Benie Des Dieux and that run might have brought her on to boot. The front pair stand out although Midnight Tour’s excellent second in the Mares’ Hurdle made Benie Des Dieux pull out all the stops and she can’t be discounted here whilst Jer’s Girl might enjoy the better ground here compared to Cheltenham.

Advice: 3 pts win Apple’s Jade (7/4 general)

4.25 – AES Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo): Not much will separate Farclas and Mr Adjudicator on this tighter course compared to Cheltenham but perhaps the better ground and lack of a punishing climb to the line on testing ground might allow for a form reversal although it’s a very tight vote and Farclas has been improving a lot in the spring. Stormy Ireland, who ran away with Noel Fehily there before falling at the last, is the ace in the pack here and if over the effects of such a hard race, presents a real challenge to the front two around a track where front running is a far more effective tactic than at Cheltenham’s New Course. Much depends on how calmly she races as the Fairyhouse Grade 2 winner Sagalwy, who was a comprehensive winner over Mitchouka, Saldier, Msassa, Veneer Of Charm and Etoine Jolie there, might not be far away.

Advice: 1 pt win Mr Adjudicator (11/4 general)

5.00 – BoyleSports Handicap Chase (5yo+ 0-145): The Irish National was a true slog, but in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013 2014 and 2017 the winner ha d a break of 26 days or less and if Isleofhopeanddreams and Forever Gold have recovered from those efforts they will have big chances here. Forever Gold is the bigger price of the pair and gets the vote with that in mind, whilst the fact he has finished second in a previous edition (2016) having come from Fairyhouse too.

At a bigger price, a chance is taken on Space Cadet. He was a disappointment over hurdles last time when pulled up but had previously run a series of very solid races in staying handicap chases and his fourth in the Irish Grand National trial doesn’t look half bad now. He might be half the price if he’d not run so poorly and perhaps this ground will help over the trip.

5.35 – Ballymore Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) (4yo+): Dream Berry came within half a length of winning this last year and it’s quite clear that his campaign has been aimed at going one better since. His seventh in the Martin Pipe, boosted since, was a lovely comeback run and better ground today ought to suit him in his bid. Early Doors was third on his first start over 2 miles for Joesph O’Brien and ought to take the beating.

The Grade A handicap hurdle that Low Sun won from Yaha Fizz has been backed up well, with the winner running fourth in the Grade B on Tuesday that started the Festival and Pravagaluna winning the conditions hurdle in fine style here on Thursday. Low Sun might be feeling the effects of that and the handicapper here so a chance is taken on Yaha Fizz staying the extra trip on better ground (soft compared to heavy) than the last time he attempted it.

Karalee was staying on late there and can be involved too but Joey Sasa, fourth on Tuesday in the big handicap hurdle, is the most feared if overcoming the four-day turnaround.

6.10 – PDM (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race (4-7yo): A cracking contest to end the week’s racing proper and one for the notebooks rather than the wallets. The vibes around Belharbour winner and £410,000 acquisition Dlauro have been strong for Joseph O’Brien and the booking of Derek O’Connor is a strong signal in itself too.

Discordantly, a Salutino gelding and Half-brother to 3 winners, interestingly is the mount of Katie Harrington over stablemate and £195,000 Belharbour winner Envious Editor who gets the 7lbs claim of Sean Byrne.

Willie Mullins has Passaageway, a short head second at Loughrea for Pat Doyle, and the well bred Multifactoral is another serious contender here. Don’t miss it.

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3.40 – Adare Manor Opportunity Series Final Handicap Hurdle (4yo+ 95-123): The best form in this race belongs to Cross My Mind, who disappointed when favourite for a valuable handicap at Ascot behind Jenkins. He had run a big race when third in the December Handicap Hurdle at Sandown the time before and connections will be hopeful of bettering his sixth place from last year.

The last time Killaro Boy ran over hurdle she cut no ice in a Gowan Handicap Hurdle but since then he was a very good fourth in a Grade B handicap chase and if he takes to hurdling then he’s well in by a good margin for Aidan Murray and Paul O’Brien.

Nobody Home has really thrived for a switch back to hurdles over the past couple of weeks and his gutsy win in a similar contest at Fairyhouse is easily amongst the ebst form here. He has a 7lbs rise for that but that’s earned him a place in the field and he is frankly more convincing than a great majority of his oppression and comes out as the token choice.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Nobody Home (14/1 general)

4.20 Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle: Sire Du Berlais sets a pretty clear standard based on his fourth in the Martin Pipe and has been found a good winning opportunity. The subsequent win of Dies Des Bieffes puts the form in a good light and he should take all the beating here. Willie Mullins’ pairing of Pravalaguna, fourth in a handicap at Fairyhouse last week, and the useful mare Good Thyne Tara, are both sure to be threats here.

Not Many Left didn’t run to form when favourite for the Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle, but this might not be as taxing and his maiden hurdle win at Navan was very taking indeed. And it’s also interesting that power connections persist with Prix de Morlaix winner Rcok De Baune who disappointed on his Irish debut.

Le Martalin and Poli Roi have place chances.

Advice: 3 pts win Sire Du Berlais (9/4 general)

4.55 – Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+): This should be a corking match between Next Destination and Kilbricken Storm and the former edges a very tight vote although is short so won’t be a bet. Things happened too quickly for him in the Ballymore at Cheltenham Festival 2018 but he made a lot of late ground to take third and a step up in trip is overdue for the Grade 1 winner who was previously unbeaten over hurdles. The form of his Lawlor’s Hotel win at Naas in January is working out well and the Neptune runner up Black Op won again at Aintree to underline the form.

Kilbricken Storm’s Albert Bartlett win was a real war of attrition and to come through it as convincingly as he did having taken a relatively close rank to a scorching pace set by Fabulous Saga was a very taking performance. It will be interesting to see how he takes to the much tighter Punchestown track on what looks like it’ll be much better ground than we had at the Festival. Ballyward, held right out at the back, was a taking fourth that day on his first start at three miles and promises to improve, if not now, then next year. A less attritional race might well bring him into matters and he’s interesting.

It says a lot about Delta Work that connections have decided to go for this opportunity rather than another handicap given the generous mark of 145 he has in Ireland after his Pertemps win and he’s improving all the time. Gordon Elliott took Champagne Classic from a handicap at the Festival to win here last year and he needs to be seriously respected.

Blow By Blow put in one of the best handicap performances of the week when he romped home in the Martin Pipe off top weight (Discorama second, getting 8lbs) but he was beaten backing up quickly at Fairyhouse in a Grade 2 novice hurdle and that could have left a mark. Jetz was well ahead of him there and has been running consistently all season, not least when finishing a neck second to Tower Bridge in a Grade 1 for staying novices at Leopardstown.

Brahma Bull found the Neptune too much for him but perhaps he might be better back at this trip although he still has a lot to do.

Advice: No bet

5.30 – Coral Punchestown Gold Cup (Grade 1) (5yo+): Road To Respect has the best form in the race courtesy of huis fourth in the Gold Cup and if he can repeat that effort here he ought to take the beating on a surface that should suit him better. Before that he had beaten the Ryanair winner in the Christmas Chase at Leopardstown and it augurs well that he backed up a Festival win last year with a win at Fairyhouse after a gap of a month too. He can once again beat Djakadam, Edwulf, Killtuagh Vic and Outlander, with Total Recall one of interest if he’s over his Grand National run where he never took to the fences. He was going well when falling in the Gold Cup and certainly worth another chance here.

Advice: 2 pts win Road To Respect (9/4 Boylesports, Bet Victor)

6.05 – Racing Post Champion I.N.H. Flat Race For The Conyngham Cup (Grade 1) (4-7yo): All of the leading lights from the Champion Bumper cross swords again and whilst Relegate will need to take closer order around this track her performance to come from last to first was the best by a good distance and she can is likely to follow in the footsteps of Fayonagh, Champagne Fever and Cousin Vinny in following up a Cheltenham win at Punchestown for the stable.

Carefully Selected was given a fantastic ride by Danny Mullins to nick a four-length advantage at the start and it seems unlikely that Derek O’Connor will be able to do the same this time around. Blackbow was sent off favourite for he Champion following an impressive Grade 2 win at Leopardstown but didn’t race with the same maturity as he did beforehand and didn’t finish his race off with the same zest, a comment that applies to Gordon Elliott’s Felix Desjy.

Blackbow might take to Punchestown with more aplomb and has to be considered a serious threat along with Tornado Flyer too from the Mullins yard. Blackbow appears still to be the stable pick however. Felix Desjy makes slightly more appeal than Getaway John and Rapid Escape for Gordon Elliott and the early pace of the race will be fascinating.

Advice: No bet.

6.40 – Guinness Handicap Chase (Grade A) (5yo+): Colin Tizard had the 1-2 in this last year and perhaps the same connections can strike with the obvious contender Shanhan’s Turn, who did much of his running late when finishing second in the Topham Chase at Aintree. That was a return to form which he hadn’t found for some time but he’s fresher than most having not run since November before his spring comeback in the Plate at the Festival, so hopefully he can take the effects of that run in stride and he has a big chance if reproducing that form.

Polidam didn’t enjoy Aintree and hasn’t really refound the form of his wide margin win in the Foxrock handicap chase, although on that form he remains well handicapped and he’s only really had one race that might suit since. Favourite Patricks Park could find plenty of improvement at his trip for all he was a little disappointing in a Grade B at Fairyhouse when sent off a strong favourite, having previously been an impressive winner of the Sandyford Novice Handicap Chase

Clarcam travelled beautifully into the Topham before just finding the ground too testing and backing out of matters later. He’s got plenty of form to recommend him here and is clearly on a decent mark although he would prefer that the ground doesn’t get too soft with the rain that has hit the course since the first day.

Woodland Opera won the Craddockstown Chase and is on a good mark based not only on that but also his win in the Grade A Novice Handicap Chase at this festival last year off a 6lbs lower mark. Blast Of Koeman is another for the shortlist.

Of the biggest prices, Champagne West, who looked a Graded horse when thrashing a good field in the Thyestes Chase last January. Since then he hasn’t made up into the Graded horse that connections had hoped but he’s dropped a lot in the weights since and he’s also one that won’t mind the rain either. His extra stamina ought to be a big help and he’s interesting even as top weight to outrun his price.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Shanhan’s Turn (8/1 general)

7.15 Weatherbys General Stud Book Irish EBF Mares Flat Race (Grade 3) (4-7yo): Colreevy’s seventh in the Champion Bumper sets a high standard here and the time before when turned over at the Dublin Racing Festival, she was beaten by the Champion Bumper winner and the winner of the Aintree Mares’ Bumper. Attitude worries might be an issue for some but she’s got a fine form chance.

Tintangle was an impressive winner of a Fairyhouse Listed Bumper from Masons Daughter and she won’t need to improve much from that to take a serious hand and watch out for the other seriously eye-catching winner Largy Glory, who has since moving to the Harringtons.

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3.40 – Kildare Hunt Club Fr Sean Breen Memorial Chase for the Ladies Perpetual Cup (5yo+): Always a lot of fun to watch but not a huge betting race and eye is drawn to last year’s first and third Ennniskillen and Blue Templar. Being just seven, Blue Templar might be the more likely to repeat his best form, and he warmed up with a handy third in a point for this. His third over course and distance behind Auvergnat and Josie’s Orders (when Enniskillen was fifth) is probably the best piece of hunting form this season.

Advice: 2 pts win Blue Templar (13/8 general)

4.20 – Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (5yo+): Getabird returned to his true self at Fairyhouse, after boiling over in the Supreme when a combination of being uncontrollable and perhaps going left handed saw him bomb out, and on the form of his Moscow Flyer win over Mengli Khan, he really ought to take the beating. Another bold bid is a certainty but it’s worth noting that Mengli Khan is 6lbs better off here and he, like those who come from the Supreme, didn’t go to Fairyhouse after and the playing field might be more event.

Paloma Blue was fourth in the Supreme, a length behind Mengli Khan, but it’s interesting to note that he one win has come on the best surface he’s raced on and he also chased home Fayonagh last season in the bumper on a soundish surface (good/yielding). He appeared to mature a lot for his run in the Deloitte Novices’ at Cheltenham, perhaps settling better for the stronger gallop, and on a surface, which is currently yielding perhaps he might be happiest of all and he can get closer to the leading pair here.

Another horse to watch closely is Sharjah, who looked so good before Christmas when probably set to win the Future Champions when falling at the last. His Deloitte effort was disappointing, but connections have been adamant that he wants better ground and with that in mind his efforts in the Supreme (eighth) and Fairyhouse (fourth) can be significant upgraded and based on Pre-Christmas form there’s a good argument for making him half the price he currently is.

Vision Des Flos finally seemed to put it all together when second in the Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree and it’s worth noting that Colin Tizzard has a decent record as far as bringing raiders over here goes. On the bare form of his second to Lalor, he needs to step forward once again however.

Whiskey Sour was a fine third in the County and is very lightly raced over hurdles; The two time Galway winner could well be hitting a summer peak back on good ground and did catch the eye amongst the bigger priced horses. Draconien, Hardline, Cartwright, and Beyond The Law all look to have a hill to climb to get involved.

4.55 – Killashee Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) (4yo+): An unimaginative betting strategy but Ballyosin has improved hand over first this season as a chaser and if he runs to the same level back over hurdles as he has for any of his last five starts, including a Grade 2 second and a Grade B handicap chase win, then he will take the beating here.

Low Sun is an obvious choice, aiming to follow up a win in the Grade A RYBO Handicap Hurdle here. A 9lbs rise is not exactly kind treatment from the handicapper but he’s had just the four starts and still has a fine racing weight with Kate O’Farrell able to take off 7lbs. Such a contest seemed to bring out the best in him at Fairyhouse and with a clear run he can go well.

Last year’s winner Western Boy took that off a break (261 days) and is just 6lbs higher here, coming off a 170-day break since a strong effort when third in the November Handicap, and he has to be on any shortlist and watched closely in the betting. Of the bigger prices, Veinard catches the eye for Gordon Elliott. Things haven’t dropped right for him in a big field handicap for quite some time but when it does he can go very well as he did last year at Fairyhouse when second in a Grade A handicap hurdle.

Watch out too for Ten Ten, third to Sharjah on debut before winning next time in a maiden hurdle which has worked out well. He can prove better than his featherweight.

5.30 – BoyleSports Champion Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+): A terrific spectacle is in store as we see Douvan take on Min and Un De Sceaux. For eight fences Douvan travelled with all the zest of the horse many had down as the best in training on his comeback in the Champion Chase before he came down, frustratingly too far out to guess his finishing position – for all that he had travelled like the best horse in the race to that point. If he’s back to his best then he will take all the beating, but on his second run back after a year out there’s more than enough worries to prevent one from backing him, especially at 5/4.

Ordinarily Min would be the one to take advantage, having run so well in the Champion Chase to finish second, but he had a hard race in the Melling Chase when just outbattled by Politologue, having paid the price for his exertions through the race when pulling and running keen early. That hard a race with just 11 days to recover could take the edge off him and it’s the same for Un De Sceaux, a solid second in the Ryanair who might be better at 2m5f on a yielding surface these days.

There are some doubts as to wither he’d have beaten the rapidly progressive Doctor Phoenix, who was looming menacingly behind Un De Sceaux before he fell with two to go in the Devenish Chase and appeared to have more running to give. He was a good second to the flying Great Field beforehand and will enjoy the very strong gallop.

Is it possible that this is out of the reach of Special Tiara? The winner of last year’s Champion Chase was beaten 13 lengths by Min at Leopardstown but that was a fine third run of the season which suggested he was coming right to the boil and crucially this will be his first run on good ground since finishing second to Altior in the Celebration Chase. Noel Fehily will need to make sure that he doesn’t go too fast but from sensible fractions there’s a case to be made.

He appeals far more than the rest of the outsiders Ordinary World, A Toi Phil. Ballycasey, The Game Changer and Tell Us More.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Special Tiara (20/1 general)

6.05 – Goffs Land Rover Bumper (4-5yo): Plenty of interest in this and lots of decent winners in the past of a valuable bumper. It’s interesting that Think Positive has moved to the Mullins yard after his keeping on Towcester fourth. There’s a whole host of newcomers here but That’s A Given caught the eye when winning at Huntingdon on debut and Phillip Hobb’s charge ought to improve from that and can go very well although the arket will tell us a lot.

Gordon Elliott runs four and point winner Column Of Fire is understandably favourite. He looks the key choice but Column Of Fire, Ferocious and Satana Plessis will need to be watched closely in the market whilst Joseph O’Brien has Derek O’Connor booked for Glocca Mora which takes the eye.

Advice: No bet.

6.45 – Growise Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+): A corking contest and whilst some might have stamina doubts about Monalee he lost no caste in finishing second to Presenting Percy in the RSA and he had enough to hold off Ryanair Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo in the Flogas at Cheltenham when Invitation Only was also third. That form gives him an advantage over JLT Novice Chase winner Shattered Love and he’s barely put a foot wrong over fences apart from his Christmas fall which is a thing of the past.

Finian’s Oscar is a huge danger if he jumps and winning the Manifesto Novices’ Chase will have done his confidence a world of good. But even then, he didn’t jump well, and this is a much harder test coming off an 11 day turn around. 3 miles ought to bring the best in him but he will need a cleaner round of jumping to get involved in a much harder test.

Rathvinden fought valiantly to take the 4 miler at the Cheltenham Festival, due compensation for a couple of mishaps when there was nothing he could to prevent himself from being brought down twice at Leopardstown. He’s not short of a turn of pace either although perhaps softer ground would have been better for him.

The Storyteller looked exposed in the Ryanair Gold Cup after his win in the Plate at the Festival and Dounkios has been desperately disappointing since a fine fourth in the Flogas. Monbeg Nortious will find this more skiable than the Thyestes although eh still has to improve a little with the same comments applying to Jury Duty and Youcantcallmethat.

Advice: 2 pts win Monalee (15/8 general)

7.15 – Dooley Insurances Flat Race (4yo): Henry De Bromhead looks to have a decent recruit in Malinas Jack, who was a fine second to Champion Bumper fourth Acey Milan at Cheltenham when eight lengths clear of the third. He’s run well on both decent and testing ground and hopefully continues his progression. Jessica Harrington has another horse with strong claims in the shape of Barrington Court, who ran into the runner up of the George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper on debut and then finished second in a listed race too.

Gordon Elliott has won this twice in the last five years with Gigginstown House Stud-owned inmates so Adulterated and Final List will be popular whilst Noel Meade’s In Your Shadow is one of man who looks the part on paper.

Ah, April. It brings a glut of top jumping action that all readers here absolutely adore, and we’ve still got Punchestown to go. But after that, and Sandown’s Finale day, the best racing in the British Isles turns to the Flat. Some of you might put the wallet away, and some may focus on the summer jumpers, but if you’re going to attack the Flat all summer, here are five pointers to make it pay.

Find your speciality

Just as there are many areas that punters will love during the jumps, there are equivalents on the Flat. You have tests of speed and stamina, and races that will inevitably suit one horse over another. A very effective way to make life easier for yourself is to find what sort of contests you find easiest to analyse and then focus on those.

Many Flat bettors will focus only on group/graded races, whilst some will also focus only the lucrative number of handicaps through the season. Just as with jump races, there are many different ratings bands – right from 0-50 to the very best Heritage Handicaps – and finding which category of handicaps can be a route to success as well.

Knowing your time of year is important. April and the early parts of may can be nightmarish for favourite backers with a whole host of reasons for top rated horses to under perform, but in strongly run races with fully fit field the cream can rise to the crop.

Know your trainers

Aidan O’Brien broke the world record for Group 1 winners trained in a calendar year in 2017, a remarkable achievement to add to so many for the Tipperary handler. However much of that success came through the summer and autumn and for many years O’Brien has used the early part of the season to get his best horses fit and use plenty of sighters before the classics. His current strike rate through the last two weeks is 14% (8 wins from 29 runners).

Charlie Appleby, meanwhile, has eight winners from his last 17 runners in the same period, including the winners of the Nell Gwyn and Craven Stakes. The Moulton handler has become very adept at starting the season well and given that many of his horses shipped to Dubai, thus escaping what was a very bad winter in Europe. Identifying trainers and their key target points – Mark Johnston at Glorious Goodwood is another – can be a very profitable source of winners through the season.

Follow the pace

The draw is a crucial part of Flat racing, but the large majority of races, especially handicaps which offer lucrative betting opportunities, will be heavily influenced by the pace of the race. Straight tracks such as Newbury, Ascot and Goodwood have many handicaps where the pace is likely to play just as big, if not more of a part, than the ground and this can also account for top level sprints too.

Use the data and tools

There has never been more data, tools and information available and much of it for free in racing. Now using it wisely is important, but data that one needed to gather painstakingly over hours of study is now available at the click of a button. A good example of this is timing, which can not only tell you how fast a race was run, but when and which horse individually was quickest.

There are several resources for clock-watchers now but don’t limit yourself to timings with ratings services such as Racing Tracker available for those who want encyclopaedic knowledge at their fingertips.

The trip is always a crucial factor in racing – regardless of what discipline – and even the shortest changes can make all the difference. Look particularly for non-staying millers who drop down in trip, especially amongst the three-year-old generation who now have the Commonwealth Cup as a Royal Ascot target. This applies for all sorts of races too – Derby trial form can often be turned around when horses take a step up in trip and you can find value angles for stayers as well.

This has been a year of some special feats in Nationals. In January through trench like ground at Chepstow the youngest jockey teamed up with the oldest horse combined to win the restaged Welsh Grand National when the 16-year-old James Bowen rode Raz De Maree to victory, the first 13-year-old horse to triumph since the war.

In the Irish Grand National four of the first five home – and the only eight to complete – were trained by Gordon Elliott or Willie Mullins. Then at Aintree, just two weeks ago, Elliot and Mullins had the 1-2 with the oldest rider in the race winning on a horse who had won the Triumph Hurdle, National Hunt Chase and Cross-Country at the Cheltenham Festival beforehand – buy tickets for Cheltenham Festival 2019.

At Ayr, all those feats would be equalled if not bettered if Paul Nicholls’ Vicente managed to win the Scottish Grand National for the third year in a row today. The nine-year-old has proven to be strongest here for the past two years, first winning it as a novice when slicing through the field to a comprehensive win, and then knuckling down to get the better of Cogry in an epic duel last year.

He ran a fantastic race on his comeback at Cheltenham Festival 2018 when just going down to Perfect Candidate with the two 17 lengths clear of the third. He went up just 4lbs for that and whilst he’s failed to complete in two starts since, he unseated before the race in the Welsh National and the ground was far too sticky for him at Cheltenham in the Ultima.

Missing the Aintree Grand National on account of the ground was probably the right call to give him some extra freshness and he clearly comes alive here in April. Off a mark just 4lbs higher than last year, he has to have every chance and his chances of making history are very valid.

Trevor Hemmings missed out on a National runner when Vicente was ruled out on account of the ground and Vintage Clouds didn’t make it into the final field as a reserve, but last year’s seventh looks a better horse now and could well give Hemmings a second National should Vicente not do so.

An early mistake in this last year when he was lucky not to unseat there and then robbed him of any early rhythm but he’s since improved his jumping hand over fist and it showed with 18 length demolition job at Aintree on his return.

He ran into a graded horse next time in the shape of Clan Des Obeaux at Haydock, finishing a respectable second on what was very testing ground, and he backed that up once again with his fourth in the Welsh National. He was then a good second to Ballyoptic at Wetherby when getting just 3 lbs (today he rated off 10-12 and Ballyoptic 11-6) and his fourth in the Ultima was a fine warm up for this.

It is tough to leave the well handicapped Fagan out of the final portfolio, and both he and Ballyoptic ought to go well, whilst Doing Fine has been crying for this trip. The Young Master is fantastically well handicapped and a danger lurking at the bottom of the weights, but a last year’s second could possibly be the best third string to the bow.

Cogry didn’t put a foot wrong when beaten a neck in this last year and he then gave a good thrashing to the very useful Singlefarmpayment on his seasonal reappearance at Cheltenham, suggesting he had a fruitful campaign ahead. However, a remarkably lacklustre showing in the Hennessy would saw an inconsistent campaign follow. It’s worth remembering that he was second in the Classic Chase to Milansbar (fifth in National) and 4 miles on good ground ought to suit him well.

Advice for Scottish Grand National 2018:

1 pt each/way Vicente (10/1 Bet365, Hills)

1 pt each/way Vintage Clouds (12/1 Bet365, 11/2 Paddy Power)

1 pt each/way Cogry (25/1 Coral, Ladbrokes)

Other Ayr Races

1.45 – 2m½f (2m110y) Scotty Brand Handicap Chase (Listed Race): The last time Foxtail Hill got a good surface he led a good field at Cheltenham all the way and then had enough to hold off the subsequent Grand Annual winner Le Prezien. The two were 11 lengths clear at the end and now following a season of unsuitably heavy ground he’s now off a mark just 1 pound higher. He’s had a tough season but if he can get out into a rhythm in front he must have every chance.

Double W’s hasn’t been at his best for a while and was pulled up here last season but he’s now 2lbs lower than he was when winning the Red Rum last season at Aintree and perhaps a break might have rejuvenated him here in which case he is very well handicapped.

Advice: No bet

2.20 – Dawn Homes Novices’ Championship Handicap Chase (Class 2) (5yo+): After two seasons over fences Barney Dwan has finally gotten the hang of chasing and this trip around here ought to suit him well following a fine fourth in the Close Brothers at Cheltenham. His career best efforts before have come on good ground before, notably his second to Presenting Percy in the Pertemps last year, so the good weather is a help.

Braqueur D’Or was one of the best jumpers of the summer (starting out last May) and carried his form through to the winter, which included a fine fourth in the Hennessy. 13 lengths ahead of him were Total Recall and Whisper, with the impressive Ascot winner just three lengths ahead. He might have been feeling the effects of such a run when he was beaten 12 lengths by Keeper Hill next time and if he’s refreshed then he’s well handicapped.

2.55 – QTS Scottish Champion Hurdle (A Limited Handicap) (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4yo+): Verdana Blue was going as well, if not better, than anything in the Betfair Hurdle before she started swimming in the ground that day but back on a decent surface she ought to take all the beating. Her three runs at Ascot are some of the best form in this company and with a clear run and hopefully a good gallop she will take the beating. Claimtakingforgan was one of the best bumper horses of last season and the last time he had anything like good ground he was seen giving an easy beating to the subsequent Grade 1 second Lostintranslation at Newbury. His fifth in the Supreme Novices’ was hugely creditable given how heavy the ground was and if he’s over it then he’s well handicapped.

3.30 – 2m4½f Jordan Electrics Ltd Future Champion Novices’ Chase (Grade 2): Mia’s Storm didn’t handle the step up to Grade 1 level in the Kauto Star after an early mistake but she’s better than that, this should suit more. Alan King had a couple of fine winners yesterday as due reward for some good efforts and she can get the better of Peregrine Run, who also has been waiting for this ground but no bet as she’s a short price.

VERDICT: This is going to be the most testing national since 2001 when Red Marauder beat Smarty by a distance; That day 40 runners faced the starter but only four completed the course, including two that had been remounted, a practice which is now not allowed. It ought to be a special test of stamina with the ground at a premium and it looks tailor made for Baie Des Isles. She is very young for a race of this type but that she has run fine races in the Irish and Welsh Nationals in her 12 chase starts and the form of her warmup at Punchestown has been boosted out of sight with the first two heavily involved in the finish of the Irish National. Katie Walsh rides these fences beautifully, she will sluice through the surface, and she is a normally sound jumper with a crucially low racing weight to boot. Another female jockey could be in line to take a huge hand with Bryony Frost looking the perfect partner to join forces with Milansbar. The last time the two ere united they made a well contested renewal of the Classic Chase an absolute procession and two fine runs over long distances ought to have him just right for this test assuming he can lay up with the early posse.

More faith is needed for The Dutchman, who stopped like a light in the Peter Marsh but who had been rapidly progressive beforehand, especially when beating Captain Redbeard by 13 lengths in the Tommy Whittle on some of the foulest winter ground Haydock had to offer, and everything about him suggests he ought to be suited by this test. He is worth forgiving that full effort given the raw staying power he has.

Pleasant Company might not have appeared to get home but he’s better handicapped than many who return from last year and if he can put in a clean round there might be more left at the finish this time from Willie Mullins’ charge.

Blaklion ought to go very well once again although after not quite getting home last year this much more testing ground is a negative against him and the ground isn’t terrific news for Gold Cup third Anibale Fly, although both him and Total Recall need to be seriously considered. Of the favourites, it’s Tiger Roll who makes the most appeal after his fine Cheltenham win with his stamina confirmed for the job although Seeyouatmidnight will go well to boot. One mention for Raz De Maree, the hardest horse to leave

Alpha Des Obeaux: Useful horse who took the Clonmel Oil Chase and doesn’t mind revelling in soft ground, but hasn’t repeated that effort since although he’s run fairly in top level races, including Irish Gold Cup; It is a worry that his worst effort this season came in the Many Clouds Chase on the Mildmay Course and others appeal as being in better form for all that he has ability.

Anibale Fly: Always useful as a novice chaser and has really found his stride when upped in trip this year, making a procession of what’s arguably Ireland’s best handicap chase in the Paddy Power when winning by no less than nine lengths off mark of 148 (rated 159 here; still well in); Upped in class to Irish Gold Cup and had not finished by any means when falling heavily two out and proved himself with fine third in Gold Cup, travelling well into the race and putting in very sold finishing effort for third; Normally a sound jumper and can take a front rank position with ease but never been further than the Gold Cup trip and would have preferred better ground; Still respected.

Baie Des Isles: Young horse – only seven – but plenty of experience in heavy ground staying handicap chases, including a fifth in 2017 Welsh National, race which has worked out well (winner since won Gold Cup, two other National winners come from it) and then showed impressive stamina and surefootedness to take Punchestown Grand National Trial; First two runs this season over hurdles/inadequate trip and didn’t shape badly in Punchestown National trial when the first two were then involved in finish of Irish national, also a gruelling race; If getting into rhythm, can go very well.

Blaklion: Travelled beautifully and jumped with fine panache when fourth in this last year, having been backed into favouritism, and looked the winner for much of the race too; Possibly sent on too early and then faded into fourth, although it must be a possibility he didn’t quite see it out as well as the first three; Romped home in the Becher Chase when beating The Last Samuri by nine lengths but worry that he’s given nothing away to handicapper despite 9lbs rise being fair and possible that it wasn’t wisest decision to enter him in Haydock Grand National trial when he was legless in second; Wind operation since will help and much in his favour but not sure he wants it this soft over this distance; Respected.

Bless The Wings: Plenty of form in long distance, soft ground handicap chases, having come within half a length of winning the 2012 Irish National and then been beaten only by Our Duke in last year’s edition; Took the December cross country but that his only finish in his last four starts, the big worry for him here, and he could find it difficult to come from the rear too. The ground has turned against him late and whilst he has talent, others might be better suited to this.

Buywise: Finally got that valuable win which he deserved so much when taking the Veterans’ Final at Sandown, seeing out a stiff three miles with purpose having moved through most of the field in one swoop four out; That was a fine win and a better jumper nowadays although a worry that he will lose his spot and get well behind which is hard.

Captain Redbeard: Was going quite well in the Grand Sefton when hampered badly at the 14th, where his winning chances ended; He then went and made amends in the Tommy Whittle and did so in fine style, pouring on the pressure after the last to win by nine lengths from a next time out winner; His jumping went to pot when he was well beaten in the Peter Marsh Chase, however, and whilst hurdle win afterwards a nice warm-up a better round needed whilst doubts about just how far he does stay.

Carlingford Lough: Dual winner of the Irish Gold Cup in 2015 and 2016 and also took the Punchestown Gold Cup in 2016; Nothing wrong with his 2017 although he only made the track twice, finishing a solid fourth in the Irish Gold Cup; Hasn’t done a thing since but has dropped to 152 and does have a Grade 1 win on heavy ground, but not the best jumper and possible he’ll be out of his ground.

Chase The Spud: Disappointing in the Welsh National although he followed an extremely strong pace in some of the winter’s heaviest ground and it’s possible that the Eider came too soon for him; Previously he’d ground out the Midlands National and then taken and then a valuable handicap chase at Haydock, on soft and heavy ground respectively; The form of those races has worked out well and if he can get into a rhythm then few would be stouter stayers.

Children’s List: Doesn’t lack for talent but not particularly experienced over fences, with just the four runs so far; Form of his one chase win, a gutsy success over Edwulf, now looks a lot better but he didn’t seem to take to the Punchestown Grand National trial last time when a poor round of jumping exposed his inexperience, and this looks a year too early at least.

Delusionofgrandeur: Front running type for Sue Smith who nearly led the field all the way in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby; Chased the pace in the Edinburgh National but faded then (4m1f, soft) and then a respectable third in the final of the Challenger Series at Haydock; Goes on soft but heavy an unknown.

Double Ross: A real old hand now at the age of 12 and years of experience in big handicap chases, and many of them have been on this course, including a fifth in the Topham (2014) and Grand Sefton (2015); Was actually going well before his saddle slipped going around Canal Turn the second time round, ending his race; Been in and out since that but retains a good amount of his ability based on fourth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and can go well for a long way here.

Final Nudge: Enjoys a marathon trip and ran much better than most when third in the Welsh National to Raz De Maree, and he is well handicapped on that form, being 13 lengths better off for a 15 length defeat; Not so great since when fifth at Sandown but might well have finished close rin the Kim Muir had he not lost a shoe; However as a dour grinder he will keep going when many have stopped and perfect racing weight for him here; Catches the eye.

Gas Line Boy: A real stalwart of long distance chasing and put together a succession of career best efforts ass he’s gotten older, fourth in the 2017 Veterans Final at Sandown and then the Grand National Trial before a great effort when fifth in this race last year; Has been in great form since and beat the Topham winner in the Sefton (over these fences in December) and nothing not to like but faded after the last and over this more testing surface stamina a worry; Otherwise nothing not to like.

Houblon Des Obeaux: Plenty off back class and can still put up a real show in long distance handicap chases, finishing third in the Welsh and fourth in the Midlands National of last year; Perhaps this ground will suit more than the decent surface on which he was seventeenth in this last year, having been out the back from the third last; Tendency to drop himself out at the back of the last.

I Just Know: Not all that exposed as a chaser and certainly not a staying handicapper, as he showed when dominating eight other runners to win the Yorkshire National at Catterick (3m6f, soft ground). Got a hammering from handicapper for that but was well worth the win and has had a perfect permeation with a nice break before a warmup over hurdles; Sue Smith won this with Aurora’s Encoure in 2013 and not to be underestimated.

Lord Windermere: The 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who hasn’t repeated his run that day since, and as such is winless since then; Best run in the past two years probably his effort in this last year but he was a well beaten seventh and has dropped just 3lbs, whilst he fell in the Becher Chase when last seen; Others make much more appeal.

Maggio: Found huge career best from out of nowhere for a spectacular 12 length win in the 3 mile handicap chaser on this card two years ago on the Midday course, but has never really come to close to repeating that and tough to make a form or handicapping argument for him on that basis.

Milansbar: Wasn’t going well when unseating in the Wlesh National but has been a different horse since then and his dismantling of a competitive field in the Classic Chase (Warwick, 3m5f, strong yardstick Cogry second) one of the best trials seen for this during the whole season; Liked to be to the forefront of affairs which is good in this.

Pendra: Subject of much attention in the betting for two of the last three Cheltenham Festivals and performed creditably in both, first of all fifth in the Ultima (2015) and second in the Kim Muir (2017); Reappeared in the same race this year but didn’t cut much ice; Now had his first run after a wind operation and tongue tied first time but record of tenth in 2014 Irish National and 13th in this in 2016 suggests much more needed to make it third time lucky.

Perfect Candidate: Talented and robust stayer who impressed when taking Veterans’ Chase at Exeter last January, but then came here last year and was never quite in touch before belting the 26th and being pulled up straight away; Perhaps this was just a bit quick for him on the ground and proved he’s still got it when he beat Vicente at Cheltenham in November and maybe this ground will suit him more although headgear needs to make him take interest if he’s to show his best.

Pleasant Company: Winner of the Pat Taafe and Bobbyjo Chases last season and few had travelled between the until he belted Valentines the second-time round, and from then on whilst he went well, he faded behind several of these into ninth; Hasn’t cut much ice this season but tough to expect too much on his first start in the Paddy Power and the Thyestes came in a sticky surface where not many mudlarks took to the racing that day; Races off same mark which leaves him well handicapped compared to many who take another shot here and ground shouldn’t be an issue for him; Not impossible he can improve his position with a clean round so don’t give up on him yet.

Raz De Maree: Veteran 13 year old who hasn’t always been the cleanest of jumpers but he’s amongst the stoutest of stayers and it was a strong looking renewal of the Welsh National which he won on nearly unraceable ground (race had to be rescheduled) and did so with a terrific late charge; Not his fault that he fell here last year (ducked left to avoid fallen horse and unseated rider at Bechers first time round) and only Native River beat him in the Welsh National the season before last; With clear round, must be a major player.

Regal Encore: Blows very hot and cold but when he’s hot he’s hot, as he showed when he was third only to Whisper and Total Recall in the Ladbroke Trophy and then strong at the end when taking the Keltbray Siwnley Chase at Ascot; Eighth last year when he got out of his ground but went through a load of beaten horses late; Not sure that this ground suits much more but can’t be ruled out if on a going day.

Road To Riches: Just isn’t the same horse as the graded staying chaser in the 2015/16 season, when injury contravened and he’s never looked the same horse since; In any case, ground and trip huge question marks and not one on the shortlist.

Saint Are: Aintree specialist who comes alive around here, winner of the Sefton Novice Hurdle as a novice and a fantastic chaser around here, third in the 2015 Becher before being beaten only by Many Clouds in the National of that year itself; That took place on good ground and a sound surface is key to his chances, as shown when he was pulled up next year when the ground was soft, only to bounce back with a fine third last year; Wouldn’t read into his two efforts this season but ground ruined his chances.

Seeyouatmidnight: Was a classy novice chaser who didn’t mind getting his toe stuck in and ended that season with a fantastic third in the Scottish National; Only the four runs since and feeling that this has been the target, with just the one warm-up run a satisfactory outing at Newbury in which he did nothing spectacular; Sound jumper, real fighter and will not be far away.

Shantou Flyer: Real murdlark who has strung together a potent run of runner up efforts, the latest of them coming when he was just unable to overhaul Coo Star Sivola in the Ultima at Cheltenham; Worry for him is that he didn’t get into the thick of things last year, pulling up after the 24th having gotten behind; Maybe this ground is going to be more suitable for him but others appeal more.

Tenor Nivernais: Widily impressive when a 30 length winner of the Keltbray Swinley Chase but then was beaten afterwards at Kelso and he then never got into a rhythm when he was 17th and hasn’t shown much more since; Perhaps this ground suits more but didn’t take to the race and much more is needed.

The Dutchman: Been on quite the journey this season, first running into the subsequent Grade 1 winner Sam Spinner in the Fixed Brush Hurdle and not backing that up when below par at Cheltenham, but when reverting to fences, he just went to the front and ran his opposition into the ground to dominate the Peter Marsh with the very solid Captain Redbeard 13 lengths behind; Was pulled up in the Grand National Trial but stopped quickly that day and had been travelling sweetly through the first circuit; Blood found in his nostrils that day so run and be written off and now of real interest.

The Last Samuri: Exemplary form over this fences, second in 2016 Grand National, then a close second in the Becher in December of that year; Those efforts took their toll on his handicap mark and he was 16th last year under top weight; Second, beaten by nine lengths, in this year’s Becher Chase and a fine third in the Cross Country at Cheltenham Festival 2018, but there’s a feeling his best chance has gone at the weights.

Thunder And Roses: 2015 Irish National winner although he’s not won since; That said, he was fourth in the 2017 renewal and still has ability judged on the way he was going in the Leinster National when he fell four out; Disconcerting that he fell again in the Irish National when he fell at the seventh but if he gets into a rhythm then he’s capable.

Tiger Roll: Long and rich record of success at the Cheltenham Festival, with three wins in 2014, 2017 and this year; The latter two, a dominant winner of the 4 Mile Novices’ Chase, and then a gutsy success over the Cross Country Course this season (3m6f, soft) show stamina ought not to be an issue; The main worry is how a smaller horse than most will take to these fences but the Cross Country is hardly the worst preparation and if he even half takes to this he’s got to have one of the main chances.

Total Recall: Has just had a magic season for Willie Mullins since moving from Sandra Hughes, romping home in the Munster National on his first start for the yard and then stepping up to down the RSA Chase second Whisper in the Ladbroke Trophy by a head with Regal Encore eight lengths behind; Impossible for connections to resist easy pot over hurdles at Leopardstown but wasn’t out of things when he fell in the Gold Cup for all that distance Native River and Might Bite put between themselves and the field suggests he would have been booked for third; One of the class angles into the race and lots to like, but this distance on such ground has to have a question mark for his chances; Major player.

Ucello Conti: Not a frequent winner but one of the most talented handicap chasers around and a sound jumper of these fences, sixth in 2016, fourth in the Becher Chase of that year, then in the act of putting another solid round together before he stumbled at Becher’s so badly Daryl Jacob couldn’t stay on; Second to Anibale Fly in Paddy Power is a fine effort, but worry that he had nothing extra down the finish in 2016 on soft, when beaten 37 lengths.

Valseur Lido: Was a quality top staying chaser in 2016, winning the JN Wine Champion Chase by 11 lengths and then finishing a very creditable fourth in the Lexus that Christmas; Had to take year off and whilst reappearance in Lexus this season suggested he retained all his ability, has gone wrong way since and doesn’t appear to be in love with heavy ground compared to better surfaces.

Vieux Lion Rouge: Another who’s familiar with these fences and is a very reliable handicap chaser, having showed a great attitude to win the 2017 Becher Chase and then follow up in the Betfred National Trial; Swung his way around here last year and came with his challenge around the home turn, but was getting outstayed before the last fence and eventually faded to be sixth, beaten 27 lengths; The year before on a soft surface he had weekender more and finished seventh, beaten 48 lengths, and whilst he handles this ground it appears he doesn’t handle this trp.

Virgilio: Bumped into some smart rivals as a novice and when he’s good he’s very good, as shown when a comprehensive win here in May; Not backed that up in two starts since so no surprise he’d had wind surgery; Worry that he’s never gone this far and he’d probably want the ground better too, so others preferred.

Walk In The Mill: Impossible to miss connections, with Sam Whaley-Cohen having an exemplary record around these fences and Robert Walford being a shrewd operator here; Has put up solid efforts twice when upped to 3 miles at Ascot, the best of them when third to Gold Present in a valuable handicap chase there; Didn’t take to heavy ground as well as The Dutchman in the Peter Marsh and that is a serious worry.

Warriors Tale: A nose away from taking two good handicaps this season already, and the form of his second to Gold Present at Newbury has worked out an absolute treat; Nothing wrong at all with his close second to Wakanda in the SkyBet Chase either with many solid horses in behind and this sound jumping type can take to Aintree, but this would be his first time on heavy and there’s a worry about that and his stamina too.

Two stand out from the field here. Who Dares Wins travelled beautifully into the Pertemps at Cheltenham Festival 2018 before he found the trip too far but this trip and course ought to suit him far more and whilst that was a hard race it was his first since November so hopefully he’ll be able to back the run up and going up just a pound for that effort has left him well treated by any reasonable standard.

Spiritofthegames is 10lbs higher than he was when winning well at Lingfield in November but every single pound of that has been earned and his fifth in the Country Hurdle built on a fine third in the Betfair Trophy before that. This ground is not an issue to him having handled the testing surface at Cheltenham with aplomb and it might be that this trip around Aintree proves to be just right, so if not over the top after a very busy season he’s got all the ingredients to go very close.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Spiritofthegames (10/1 Bet365)

2.20 – Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4yo+)

A big field but this has cut up a lot and Global Citizen ought to take the world of beating. His nine-length thumping of Scarlet Dragon in the Dovecote at Kempton was a stunning display and his second wide margin in since moving to the yard of Ben Pauling. He’s a soft ground winner too, so hopefully the surface won’t be a problem, and we know the trip and track should be just fine.

Vision Des Flos has a lot of promise for the future and his Ballymore sixth was a lovely effort but this is a far sharper test, his quickest so far, and he may be more of a stayer. Of more interest is the 4-year-old Style De Garde, who was second when by far the best at the weights in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, and who has been chosen as the prime representative for the Nicky Henderson yard which has started the festival in great form.

Slate House has struggled since his fine win in a Grade 2 earlier in the season at Cheltenham but this ought to suit him a good deal more than the Grade 2 races he ran in at Cheltenham twice even if he would probably be better suited to going a little bit further on better ground. He retains plenty of promise though. It would be unwise to write off Impact Factor, who was beaten by the useful Hardline in a Grade 2 from the front, and Lalor, who has had the ground go against him.

Advice: 3 pts win Global Citizen (2/1 general)

2.50 – Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

Trappy and not a race to spend a lot of time on and maybe Elegant Escape can be the one. His RSA Chase third looks close to the best recent form and he’s a solid jumper for whom a long straight looks ideal. It’s hoped he’s not over the top as that looked the case with Black Corton when he was a tired fifth in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham, and a hard race was certainly had by Ms Parfois when she was nosed out of the 4-miler by Rathvinden there. Mia’s Storm makes a lot of appeal on ground of freshness but her jumping when to pot in the Kauto Star at Kempton and her best efforts have come on a much better surface. Terrefort, if staying this trip, is an obvious favourite and should make a bold bid.

The form of Snow Falcon’s fifth in the Flogas stands up very well here and if he didn’t tired himself out when getting to the 13th and falling in the Irish National then he’s overpriced – Coo Star Sivola, the winner of the Ultima Chase at the Festival – buy tickets for Cheltenham Festival 2019, has mastered the hang of jumping finally although he was handicapped brilliantly to win at the Festival and this is a whole lot tougher.

Advice: No bet.

3.25 (Mildmay) JLT Melling Chase (Grade 1)

The market has this as being between the Champion Chase runner up and Ryanair winner and the vote goes to Min although I won’t recommend a bet at the odds, who was exemplary in defeat at the Festival. He found only the exceptional Altior too good then and travelled and jumped in a manner that would have won most renewals of the Champion Chase, and he was not stopping up the hill despite the brilliance of Altior. Stamina will be key today, given just how strong Balko Des Flos was when winning the Ryanair, when he gave a comprehensive beating to Un De Sceaux (Cloudy Dream over 10 lengths back in third that day) having actually travelled the better of the two through the home straight. He will expose any flaws in Min’s armoury and has to be the biggest threat with Politologue respected although he has to turn around a large deficit with Min.

Le Prezien was a fine winner of the Grand Annual but this is a totally different test and he could be exposed up in class here and Sizing Granite was back to his form when winning at Newbury but he has a completely different task now.

Advice: No bet.

4.05 – Randox Health Topham Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

One of the finer sights of the week. Ultragold hasn’t cut much ice on his last two starts but he took to the course with aplomb when he won this last year and his second in the Grand Sefton since when outstayed by the Grand National Contender Gas Line Boy shapes really well. He had to cope with deep ground here in December but that did not hamper him one bit, and he ought to go very well today.

Theatre Territory is having her first start over these fences but few riders know this course better than Sam Whaley-Cohen and her last two starts, a third in Kempton’s big three mile handicap chase, and before that a second to the subsequent Cheltenham Festival winner Mister Whitaker when the pair were 17 lengths clear of Sizing Tennessee, a very useful market who was then third in the 4 Miler (had previously pushed Yanworth all the way in the Dipper on New Year’s Day). The likely pace will be very strong but the fact she gets further should help and she’s a sound jump who’s well handicapped.

An unappealing race given how gruelling the Albert Bartlett was this year. EBF Mares Hurdle final winner Roksana and EBF Handicap final winner Sam’s Gunner have not exactly had a lot more rest though, given that both had to slog to their victories with gaps of 20 and 34 days to this race. Of the two Roksana, who has been progressive all season, is preferred, although of the favourites OK Corral, who looks nimbler than stablemate Santini, looks the best option around Aintree’s three mile test although a number of contenders are worth taking seriously including Chef Des Obeaux and Poetic Rhythm.

The market support given to Nicky Henderson’s Mister Fisher before his debut at Kempton and in the leadup to this event suggest that he takes high rank amongst the bumper horses at Seven Barrows and his impressive performance there was that of a horse who can quickly make up the step to graded company. There’s not much established form in his Kempton bumper but Rhythm Is A Dancer was beaten three lengths further by him than he was by other contender Severano on his debut at the same course, and Mister Fisher ought to improve.

He will need to go some to beat Danny Kirwan and Pym, an impressive 1-2 in a Kempton bumper who have been saved for this, bypassing the Cheltenham Festival. Mercy Mercy Me comes from the Champion Bumper, having finished eight there, and might be better suited by this ground which whilst still soft, is not nearly as testing or gluey as it was at Cheltenham, and he’s of interest.

The Flat is back! Not less than two weeks from the Cheltenham Festival we shall see multiple runner fields hurtling down Town Moor for the Lincoln, on a day that signifies the rumbling return of our sister code.

The Lincoln (3.35) is as typically competitive as ever and there are a whole host of horses with serious claims, and several do make appeal, but no matter how many times one checks the shortlist it is impossible to remove Ballard Down. William Knight’s five-year-old is lightly raced for his age, having had just 10 starts, and it’s even more interesting to note that he’s had just three starts on turf, two of them on soft ground.

The last of them was by far the most impressive, when he was a very taking winner of a quality Newmarket handicap last July. Racing just off the speed, he showed a turn of foot that nothing else in the field could handle and eventually ended up winning by nearly four lengths. On a decent card, he posted an impressive closing sections – the fastest of the day – and the form has more than backed up the clock’s impression.

In second was Master The World, who would then go onto win the Betfred Mile and is now rated 103 having plied his trade in Group company since, whilst third-placed Zwayyan landed a well contested handicap at Ascot, and further behind Raising Sand was a taking winner on Shergar Cup day.

The three favourites at the top of the market all have serious claims for the race. Fire Brigade showed his liking for soft ground twice last season before he didn’t get the clearest of runs in the Silver Cambridge when he was third behind Addeybb, who is also a leading market contender for this race who handles soft ground.

Lord Glitters has to be given a major chance, having taken the Balmoral Handicap when atoning for a close and unlucky defeat in another Heritage Handicap at Ascot, and David O’Meara’s charge – who revelled in soft ground when winning with a very impressive late charge at Ascot – probably makes just about the most appeal of those three.

However, they are all short enough for a race of this nature and there are plenty of each/way places to shoot at here. Leader Writer, the winner of a good soft ground handicap at Ascot who shaped well on his return at Lingfield with the cheekpieces off, was seriously tempting as an option but it was very tough to get away from the prices of Bravery and Grey Britain.

Last year’s winner, Bravery comes here 5lbs lower for David O’Meara and was highly tried afterwards in many races where things didn’t go his way. He deserves a lot of respect here given that we know a big field straight mile handicap suits him perfectly but if the ground had been a bit better there would be added shine to his claims and Grey Britain’s soft ground form gives him the edge.

John Ryan’s four-year-old was highly tried last year but was second in the Royal Mile Handicap off 97 at Musselburgh and then won the Fairway Novice Stakes in the middle of last year and ended it finishing fourth in a classy three-year-old handicap towards the end of last season at Goodwood. That day he beat Addeybb by a short head giving him 6lb and is now 6lbs better off whilst being over double the price here, and the runner up in his listed race is now rated 112.

He’s had two runs in Meydan where he’s been nowhere, but those weren’t half as a suitable as this will be based on the evidence of his Musselburgh run and having had early season runs, especially in Dubai, has been a huge benefit in recent editions. Sweet Lightning, Ocean Tempest and Secret Brief have all won after campaigns in Dubai in the last seven years and of course Oh This Is Us – one of just two to have such a prep – was beaten a short head last year here, whilst Ocean Tempest got the same preparation as Grey Britain (nearly) when he took this in 2014.

Our favoured code – which is jumps on this page I suspect – is lauded for bringing back the same horses’ year after year and Lac Du Lancelot looked as good as ever when landing a 0-105 handicap at Wolverhampton when last seen. The eight-year-old came through the soft ground to take the Stewards’ Cup last year and is twice placed over this C&D; he ought to take the beating.

The only times in the last 10 years that the Spring Mile (2.25) hasn’t been won by a four-year-old is when Richard Fahey has trained the winner in 2010 and 2014 and his five-year-old Dark Devil catches the eye on that basis as well as having a lot of strong soft ground form. A winner of an Amateur Handicap on heavy ground at Chester last September before finishing runner up afterwards and he was probably unlucky not to win his final start at Windsor to end last season. This is a lot harder but we might not have seen the best of him and this big field might bring out the best in him.

The Doncaster Mile (3.00) is more competitive than the betting suggests although Zabeel Prince is the most unexposed and Tabarrak sets the standard.

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